Niger criminalises same-sex relations with jail terms

Military-run Niger has enacted a new penal code criminalising for the first time same-sex relations, with heavy sentences of up to 20 years in prison, a legal source said Thursday quoting the official gazette.

Although a taboo subject, same-sex relations had not been criminalised in Muslim-majority Niger, which follows several other African nations in toughening their anti-LGBTQ legislation.

Under Niger’s new law, same-sex relations will be punishable by a jail term of between five and less than 10 years and a fine.

But “anyone who enters into marriage with a person of the same sex” faces 10 to 20 years imprisonment.

It stipulates the same sentence for “any person who manages, directs, operates, finances or participates in clubs, societies, organisations or associations for homosexuals or LGBTQIA+ people”.

The penal code reform was initiated under Niger’s previous civilian president Mohamed Bazoum under pressure from Muslim groups and lawmakers. Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in July 2023.

AFP

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